Women Mean Business 2025

Women Mean Business on East Passyunk Avenue this March

In conjunction with Women’s History Month, the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) will be hosting its annual Women Mean Business event on Thursday, March 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Society Hill Dance Academy (1919 East Passyunk Avenue). This year’s Women Mean Business will include a panel discussion, Q&A with local female business leaders, and an opportunity to network and mingle with Philadelphia entrepreneurs. All are welcome to join our business community for an evening of education, exploration, and kinship.

The lineup for Women Mean Business 2025 includes:

Karen Gross (emcee) – Host/Founder of She Rocked It, a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous rockstars build their dream careers. Karen is also a former resident of the East Passyunk neighborhood.

Katie Hanford (introduction) – Executive Director of the East Passyunk Business Improvement District, a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and promotion of one of South Philadelphia’s longest-standing commercial corridors. Katie has a background in city planning and non-profit management.

Lulu Calhoun (panelist) – Co-owner of Ember & Ash (1520 East Passyunk Avenue), a restaurant which utilizes a distinct asset in modern cuisine: a wood-fueled hearth used to cook uniquely rustic meals.

Deborah Simone-Scipione (panelist) – Owner of Bianca Simone (1740 East Passyunk Avenue), a legendary East Passyunk boutique known for its fashionable attire and formal occasion wear.

Alexa Fanelli (panelist) – Co-owner of Spellbound Studio (1728 East Passyunk Avenue), an astrologically-themed hair salon that takes customers on an empowering journey through inner and outer beauty.

Ashley Haak (special guest) – Owner of South Philly Yarn and Craft (1625 South 11th Street), an independent studio and shop specializing in classic yarn arts and crafts.

Over half of East Passyunk Avenue’s 200+ businesses are women-owned, making Women Mean Business an ideal event for female entrepreneurs in the Philadelphia area to connect, enhance their skills, and share lived experiences. This Women’s History Month, it’s more important than ever to embrace community, collaboration, and allyship. Join us at Society Hill Dance Academy on Thursday, March 13th for a powerful panel, enlightening Q&A, and a chance to network with thriving entrepreneurs!

Women Mean Business 2025 is presented by the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District and She Rocked It Productions, with support from Milk Jawn and more. Tickets are available at https://theticketing.co/e/women-mean-business

For more information on East Passyunk Avenue, explore www.visiteastpassyunk.com and follow EPABID on Instagram and Facebook. For media and press inquiries, please reach out to Sarah Cowell at kscopephilly@gmail.com.

For more information about She Rocked It, explore www.sherockedit.com and follow She Rocked It on LinkedIn.